GLOBAL RESEARCH TRENDS AND GAPS ON MATERNAL LEAD EXPOSURE AND CORTISOL: 25-YEAR BIBLIOMETRIC INSIGHT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Abstract

Lead (Pb) exposure during pregnancy poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health, notably throughitsassociation with elevated cortisol levels, a key stress biomarker. This bibliometric study analyzed global publicationtrends, research collaborations, and thematic focuses on Pb exposure and stress hormones in pregnant womenfrom1999 to 2024. The data were collected from the Scopus database through specific keywords and examined usingVOSviewer software to visualize co-authorship networks and track keyword development. Results reveal aconsistent growth in publications, with the United States contributing the largest share, followed by Canada, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. Research themes have evolved from general toxicity and oxidative stress toward specificoutcomes such as preeclampsia. DNA methylation and neurodevelopment. The results emphasize the global scientific consensus that Pb exposure represents a key environmental health concern, while also revealing notableresearch gaps in low- and middle-income nations. The implications of this study correspond to several SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG6(Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Addressing these gaps will require interdisciplinary research, targeted policy interventions, and stronger international collaboration to protect vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women.

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